TLC’s My Husband’s Not Gay: 79K petition to cancel the show

TLC’s not just turning heads, it’s making people shake them in dismay. My Husband’s Not Gay tells a story we’ve heard a million times before, but is the show only promoting unhealthy practices? Here’s what you need to know.

1) My Husband’s Not Gay centers on four gay Mormon men

The four men each identify themselves as homosexual but, because of their religion, are repentant and discontent with their desires.

2) They’ll try to “fix” themselves

The special will follow all four gentlemen as they undergo reparative therapy. In other words, they’ll attend therapy sessions that falsely claim to help turn homosexual men into straight men. Scientists and doctors have all said such therapy is not only incapable of working, but also downright unhealthy. For further proof of that, look no further than the recent suicide of Leelah Alcorn, who was undergoing the therapy when she decided to take her life.

3) Big names are speaking up

A petition has been created, pleading with TLC not to air the show. The petition was started by Josh Sanders, a well-known gay Christian who underwent the therapy and knows of its dangers.

“I started this petition because these men deserve compassion and acceptance. Instead, TLC is presenting their lives as entertainment, and sending the dangerous message that being gay is something that can and ought to be changed. No young person should ever be told to be ashamed of who they are — especially by a television network.”

4) 79,000 people have signed the petitions

Sadly, we doubt that 79,000 signatures are enough to change TLC’s mind. However, if you’re interested in signing the petition, you can do so here.

5) Major advocacy groups are also speaking out

“This show is downright irresponsible,” said GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “No one can change who they love, and, more importantly, no one should have to. By investing in this dangerous programming, TLC is putting countless young LGBT people in harm’s way.”

We’re with GLAAD and Sanders on this: We’re just not interested and think the show is an all-around bad idea. Something tells us it will still air, though. Ugh. Jan. 11 is the show’s official debut. We’ll see how it goes.